Bonnie Higginson’s legacy opens the world to Murray State students

By Jillian Smith | Jul 9, 2026

MURRAY, Ky. — For Dr. Bonnie Higginson, supporting Murray State University students isn't simply an act of
philanthropy—it's a way of giving future generations the same life-changing opportunities that shaped her own
career.

Higginson's connection to the College of Education and Human Services spans more than five decades. As both an
alumna and retired faculty member, she has served the University in numerous leadership roles, including
department chair, residential college head, associate provost and provost. Throughout her career, one belief
remained constant: experiences beyond the classroom can transform lives.

Today, that belief continues through the Bonnie and Cliff Higginson Study Abroad Scholarship, which helps Murray
State students pursue international learning opportunities that might otherwise be financially out of reach.
“My husband, Cliff, and I both grew up in military families, so we were exposed to different cultures from an early
age,” Higginson said. “Those experiences shaped who we became. We wanted students to have the same
opportunity to see the world and grow from it."

The idea for the scholarship was born from a shared passion for global learning. After spending time teaching in
China and leading study abroad experiences throughout her career, Higginson witnessed firsthand the profound
impact international education had on students.

She also recognized that education majors often lacked opportunities to study abroad.

“Study abroad is expensive, but we wanted students to have the opportunity to go to other countries," Higginson
said. "I saw firsthand the impact it can have on students.”

That vision helped inspire one of the College's signature international experiences—the Belize teaching program.
Built on Murray State's longstanding relationship with Belize, the program has provided future educators with the
opportunity to teach abroad while learning alongside students and teachers in another country. Decades later,
Higginson remains proud to see the program thriving.

For Higginson, the greatest value of studying abroad extends far beyond travel.

“I think it opens their eyes to how other people live in the world," she said. "At first students notice all the
differences, but the longer they're there, the more they begin to see the similarities. They realize that children like
to play everywhere, teachers face the same challenges everywhere, and people have far more in common than they
first imagined.”

Removing financial barriers has allowed the scholarship to reach students from many backgrounds—including
nontraditional students and those who had never flown on an airplane before.

“It means a lot that the scholarship has been part of why they were able to step out of their comfort zone,”
Higginson said.

One of Higginson's favorite memories came years after the Belize program began. While recruiting students in
Belize, a young man approached her—not to inquire about attending Murray State, but to share that he still
remembered lessons taught by a Murray State education student nearly a decade earlier.

“It was one of the most rewarding moments I've ever had,” Higginson said. "There are so many impacts that can
occur that we don't realize.”

As recipients prepare for their own study abroad experiences, Higginson encourages them to embrace every
opportunity.

“Take advantage of every moment—even the difficult ones,” she said. “Think about why something feels challenging
because that's where growth happens.”

Looking ahead, Higginson hopes the Bonnie and Cliff Higginson Study Abroad Scholarship will continue expanding
opportunities for generations of students.

“I hope there will always be funds available for students to study abroad,” she said. “As costs continue to rise, I hope
students will always have access to these experiences.”

She believes philanthropy plays an increasingly vital role in ensuring those opportunities remain accessible.

“Murray State gives so much to its students,” Higginson said. “I feel that the people who have benefited from what Murray State has had to offer should consider ways they can give back. It may not be a million dollars, but there are
many ways to support this University and its students.”

Through their scholarship, Bonnie and Cliff Higginson continue investing in the next generation of educators and
leaders, helping students broaden their perspectives, discover new cultures and return home prepared to make a
lasting impact in their classrooms, workplaces and communities.

To support the Bonnie and Cliff Higginson scholarship, contact Jenni Todd, director of development for the College
of Education and Human Services and University Libraries at jtodd14@murraystate.edu.